Bierhoff talks down Germany chances

Oliver Bierhoff says it is "almost impossible" for Germany to win the 2014 World Cup in South America.

The tournament has been held in the continent four times - 1930, 1950, 1962 and 1978 - and on each occasion either Uruguay, Brazil or Argentina have triumphed.

The World Cup is returning to South America next year for the first time in 36 years, and the Germany team manager has played down his side's chances of success.

"For us, it is almost impossible to win the tournament," Bierhoff said ahead of Germany's clash with Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

"It is a really big mountain (to climb). The South American sides are usually more advanced (in their own continent)."

Bierhoff is confident Germany will progress from their World Cup qualification group, but said the football federation will hold off on making arrangements for the tournament until the draw for the finals.

"We are not planning where we will stay in Brazil because we do not know which group we will play in," Bierhoff said.

"But it would not be in the extreme north or south of Brazil."

Germany top Group C of UEFA qualifying on 13 points, five points ahead of second-place Sweden.